To champion and advance the practice of Program Planning statewide by means of, but not limited to: providing educational opportunities and resources to libraries, librarians, and all library workers; creating a cohesive statewide database of shared programming resources, tools, and policies; sharing best practices for in-library, out of library, and virtual events; and finding creative ways to connect the broadest range of community members with our library programs and services.

MLA PPS: Up, Close and Personal
Learn how the Massachusetts Library Association Program Planners Section works

MLA Program Planners Section is proud to launch a new initiative called MLA PPS: Up, Close and Personal. Our vision is to ensure that the current LIS students have the opportunity to engage with MLA and Program Planners Section, to learn, and network with current LIS students and professionals, and begin their journeys as professional librarians.

Benefits:

• Current LIS students will have the opportunity to network with other library professionals and understand how the Program Planners Section works. They will also get a chance to work closely with Committee Chairs and Liaisons. They will be able to participate in Section meetings to network with other professionals and learn about new trends in library programs.
• Other benefits include, a paid one-year membership to MLA, and paid registration for the annual MLA 2023 conference.

Commitments:

• A one year commitment is expected. Selected candidates are expected to attend two or three PPS meetings.

Process:

• The MLA PPS will be selecting two LIS students for the year 2022-23. This is subject to change based on the funding. One of the spots is reserved for LIS students identifying with the BIPOC community.
• Students are required to submit an application online (Link provided at the bottom of the message). The application deadline is October 1, 2022. Once the applications are received, the LIS Liaisons, along with the MLA PPS Executive Board will select two candidates, one of which would be from the BIPOC community. We will let the candidates know in a timely manner the result of their application.
• Selected candidates will have an orientation session with LIS Liaisons to further explain the program details.

Eligibility:

• The students must be living or working in Massachusetts. Students must be enrolled in an ALA accredited MLS or MLIS program. We are particularly seeking candidates who are interested in program planning in the libraries.

If you have any questions, please contact LIS Liaisons Darshana Merchant at dmerchant@minlib.net or Ruby Vail at rvail@cambridgema.gov.

Apply for the MLA PPS: Up, Close, and Personal sponsorship program